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MAR./APR. 2019 Vol. 31, No. 2 CountyA Publication of the Texas Association of Counties county.org/magazine
THE SECOND EMPIRE COURTHOUSES OF TEXAS THIS STYLE OF ARCHITECTURE IS BASED ON FRENCH DESIGN ELEMENTS | PG. 40
TAC EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: COUNTY GOVERNMENT MONTH HEALTHY COUNTY BOOT CAMP: KEEPING COUNTIES ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT IS APRIL 30 10 YEARS STRONG IN THE KNOW GAYLENE JENSEN Texas counties celebrate County A photo recap of the two-day Over 50 years, Meet the “Voice of TAC” | pg. 10 Government Day with barbecue wellness conference | pg. 26 TAC communications has evolved and camaraderie | pg. 20 to best serve members | pg. 30 43091 TAOC COUNTY 2 3_21_2019
July 18-19 | Georgetown
While a growing mental health crisis threatens to strain the court system, county offices across the state are partnering together to find solutions.
Become one of the justices of the peace, county judges and sheriffs who are joining forces, taking steps to solve issues and bridging the gap.
What you’ll learn Who it’s for • Effectively forging • Constitutional County partnerships Judges • Examples of successful • Justices of the Peace county programs • Sheriffs • And more
Learn more and register at www.county.org/judicial Sheraton Austin Georgetown Hotel & Conference Center • 1101 Woodlawn Avenue • Georgetown, TX 78628 Made possible by a Judicial and Court Personnel Training Fund administered by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals 43091 TAOC COUNTY 3 3_21_2019
Contact Us! We’re here to help.
Staff Directory: county.org/whotocontact Main number: (800) 456-5974 TAC Helpline: (888) ASK-TAC4
2016 Who To Contact Ad .indd 3 9/22/16 9:20 AM
Texas Association of Counties Mission Statement The mission of the Texas Association of Counties is to unite counties to achieve better solutions.
County, a bimonthly magazine, is distributed to every elected county official and county auditor in Texas’ 254 counties. Other readers include purchasing agents, budget and planning administrators, appointed department heads, state legislators and state agency personnel. Reproduction of this magazine in whole or in part, is permissible only upon express written authorization from the publisher and when proper credit, including copyright acknowledgment, is given to Texas Association of Counties’ County Magazine.
©2016, Texas Association of Counties. Published by the Texas Association of Counties, P.O. Box 2131, Austin, Texas 78768-2131. Telephone: (512) 478-8753, Facsimile: (512) 478-0519. www.county.org.
Articles in County magazine that refer to issues that could be considered by the Texas Legislature may be interpreted to be “legislative advertising” according to Texas Gov’t. Code Ann §305.027. Disclosure of the name and address of the person who contracts with the printer to publish the legislative advertising in County magazine is required by that law: Susan M. Redford, 1210 San Antonio, Austin, Texas 78701. 43091 TAOC COUNTY 4 3_21_2019
While I serve my community …
The TAC Health and Employee Benefits Pool serves me with: • Coverages and benefits customized to my county’s needs • Plan management guidance and support • Healthy County wellness programs and initiatives • County-focused customer care • Retiree enrollment assistance • On-call Employee Benefits Consultants • Long-term rate stability • Sound county leadership
Created by counties for counties.
www.county.org/TACHEBP • (800) 456-5974
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County Magazine | ★ ContentsMAR./APR. 2019 10 12 30 40 2019 Officers & Board of Directors
PRESIDENT Larry Gallardo Hidalgo County Constable
PRESIDENT-ELECT Renee Couch Comal County Treasurer
VICE PRESIDENT Highlights Kim Halfmann Glasscock County Judge
10 TAC Employee Spotlight: SECRETARY Administrative Assistant Gaylene Jensen Cindy Yeatts Brown We are launching a new regular feature that introduces readers to TAC staff Denton County Treasurer members. This inaugural one spotlights the “Voice of TAC,” Receptionist Gaylene MEMBERS Jensen. John R. Ames Dallas County Tax Assessor-Collector 12 2018 County Best Practice: Williamson County Rick Bailey County wins award for its initiative to improve operations and Johnson County Commissioner save tax dollars. Nathan Cradduck Tom Green County Auditor 20 County Government Month is April 30 Laurie K. English Texas counties celebrate County Government Day with barbecue Sutton County District Attorney and camaraderie. Sherri B. Harrison 26 Healthy County Boot Camp: 10 Years Strong Bailey County Judge Laura Hinojosa Revisiting the two-day wellness conference with a photo recap. Hidalgo County District Clerk 30 Keeping Counties in The Know Debbie Gonzales Ingalsbe Over 50 years, TAC communications has evolved to best serve members. We Hays County Commissioner take a look back at how things have changed with the times. Robert D. Johnston Anderson County Judge 40 The Second Empire Courthouses of Texas Jennifer Lindenzweig This style of architecture is based on French Design elements . In this issue, Hunt County Clerk we visit three courthouses that showcase this style. Carlos B. Lopez Travis County Constable, Precinct 5 Gary Maddox Lamb County Sheriff Departments Jackie Miller Jr. 4 Executive Director’s Report | 5 President’s Report | 6 Voices of County Government Ellis County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2 Alma V. Moreno 10 Employee Spotlight | 14 Clipboard | 52 County Information Program San Patricio County Commissioner 55 Calendar | 58 Social Media Round-up | 60 Last Look EX OFFICIO MEMBERS Joyce G. Hudman Immediate Past President County Staff Brazoria County Clerk Susan Redford, Executive Director | Leah Magnus, Communication and Education Services Director | Hon. Don Allred Anna McGarity, Managing Editor | Liz Carmack, Roland Gilbert and Joel Nihlean, Contributing Writers | Honorary Chaplain Ben Chomiak, Graphic Design Oldham County Judge On The Cover NACo REPRESENTATIVES The Concho County Courthouse is one of 15 courthouses in Texas designed in the Second Empire style. Glen B. Whitley See page 40 to learn more. Tarrant County Judge Connie Hickman Navarro County Justice of the Peace Precinct 4
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★ | Executive Director’S Report | By Susan M. Redford Executive Director’s Report The Legislative Session and New Initiatives Kick Off 2019
his year holds exciting challenges and new initiatives for the Texas Association of Counties. T First and foremost, it’s a legislative session year. We are working alongside you to ensure the county voice is heard at the Capitol during the 86th Legislative Session. Thank you to all the officials who have come to Austin to testify at committee hearings and who have visited with their legislators on issues that matter most to counties. Please stay informed and continue to engage as we move through this session. I urge you to visit the Legislative section of our website for county issue briefs and a list of bills by office and read our weekly County Issues e-newsletter for timely legislative updates. In addition to staying on top of the legislative session, we are undertaking new initiatives. The TAC management team and Board are focusing on strategic planning to ensure that we continue to better serve you as we move into TAC’s next 50 years. I will update you here as this effort progresses. Now, to focus on more immediate events — April 1 is the deadline to register you and your staff for our online Cybersecurity Awareness Training. I urge you to take advantage of this free online training, which will run from May 2019-April 2020 Susan M. Redford and help you protect your county networks and constituents’ information. Sign up at www.county.org/countycyber. Executive Director, We also hope to see you at the County Management and Risk Conference, April Texas Association of Counties 10-12 in San Marcos. Topics covered will offer the tools and resources counties need to manage their risk better. Check the Calendar of Events on our website for the full agenda and to register today. Before this fast-paced year flies by, I want to recognize TAC President and Hidalgo County Constable Larry Gallardo, who is serving the second of his two- year presidency. He is TAC’s first Hispanic president and the first president from Texas’ Lower Rio Grande Valley. Thank you, Constable Gallardo, for your continued leadership and congratulations upon marking these milestones. You’ll find Constable Gallardo’s President’s Report in this month’s issue, as well as another installment of our series about TAC’s history as we celebrate 50 years of People are flocking to Texas serving Texas counties. This time, we feature the communications and technology and I don’t blame them. services we have provided to county government over the decades. In a new effort to highlight TAC staff working to serve members all across the It’s a great place to live. Association, this issue also includes a feature on TAC Receptionist Gaylene Jensen. Gaylene joined the TAC staff in 1998 and is an amazing asset to our Association, going above and beyond to help all who call and visit our building. We all know her as “The Voice of TAC” for good reason. So much is underway this year and we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. I look forward to hearing your thoughts and learning what you need from us as we take on 2019! *
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County Magazine | President’s Report | ★ President’s Report Looking Ahead to the Next 50
appy New Year! OK, I know we are about three months into 2019, but it is my first President’s Report of the year, and since this is TAC’s 50th year, it Hdeserves a special New Year’s greeting! First, I’d like to welcome our Executive Director Susan Redford to her new role, helming the TAC ship. In my last letter, I said goodbye to Gene Terry and thanked him for his contributions to the Association, and now I want to take a moment to say how lucky we are to have Redford. Her time as Ector County judge, combined with her years as TAC Judicial Program Manager, make her the right person to take the Association to the next level. I look forward to working with her in this, my final year as President. I hope you all join me in welcoming her and engaging with her. I know first-hand that she wants to hear from you and learn about what members need from TAC. Likewise, I too always want to hear from you and learn what we can do to make your jobs a little easier. Now, it’s time to talk about the 86th Legislative Session. It’s shaping up to be an interesting one. I encourage you to get involved and make your voices heard. We have several ways to help with that. To start, throughout the session, TAC is hosting the Tuesday Morning Breakfasts, which bring together county officials from across the state, along with other local government stakeholders and key Larry GallardO members of the Capitol crowd, for a working breakfast meeting each Tuesday starting at 7:30 a.m. These morning sessions focus on important county-related Hidalgo County Constable and TAC President bills moving through the chambers of the Legislature, updates from county official associations, the inner workings of the legislative process and other timely topics for the week ahead. And don’t forget County Government Day on April 30 at the Capitol. We want a large turnout to engage with state lawmakers about the critical issues they are voting on that directly affect you and your constituents. This is a great way to start a dialogue, meet other county officials and eat some amazing BBQ. All county officials are urged to ask their legislators to join them for lunch and visit with them on the issues important to counties. See page 20 of this issue to learn more. Finally, let me get back to TAC’s 50th Anniversary. I cannot stress enough how impressive this milestone is. It is reflective of TAC’s endurance as an organization; its commitment to all Texas counties and their elected officials; and its strength in persevering through both good and challenging times. Just like the counties TAC works for, this organization is all about hard work, good people and local government. We will have a celebration marking the official bill signing that began TAC on May 28. We hope you join us in wishing TAC — and Texas county governments — many more anniversaries to come. *
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★ | Voices of County Government | County Magazine Voices of county government Voices of County Government
HON. LINDA DOUGLASS Guadalupe County Treasurer
In all 254 counties, county government is a full-time job. Texas county government officials dedicate their careers and lives to public service and are the foremost experts on the challenges their neighbors face each day. County government officials are as diverse as the Texans who elect them, coming from every background imaginable. But as a group, they have one thing in common: from El Paso to Newton and from Dallam to Cameron, county officials are dedicated and committed to keeping Texas strong. Here, county officials talk about their passion for public service. (Interviews here have been edited for brevity.) *
How long have you been the Guadalupe County Prior to your election, what kind of work did What was the biggest surprise or adjustment Treasurer? you do? How did you get interested in running after taking office? I was elected in 2002 and took for office? Having previously worked in the office Jan. 1, 2003. I became the I began my career working in the Treasurer’s Office, I would honestly first minority in Guadalupe County county Treasurer’s Office in 1981 as say the biggest adjustment was to win a countywide election. I was the employee benefits coordinator and learning to delegate and managing recently re-elected and am currently payroll clerk. When my predecessor employees. serving my fifth term. I am humbled decided not to seek re-election, he and and blessed to have this opportunity several other elected officials asked if What are some of the most difficult to continue to serve the citizens of I would consider running for county challenges you’ve faced, and what advice Guadalupe County. treasurer. I had never thought about would you give your peers across the state running for a public office before, but who may face the same or similar challenges? I enjoy helping people, and my love for As an elected official — and being public service led me to decide to run in office for over 16 years — I believe for office. the future challenges we face will be substantially greater than those of the past.
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Our biggest challenges today are Since taking office, what accomplishment are When you’re not at work, what are you doing? technology and getting the best you most proud of? Do you have any hobbies or something unique rate of return on our investments I am proud to have been recognized that you’re interested in that may surprise in an ever-changing market place. by the state for 15 years as a Certified your colleagues? County treasurers are responsible Investment Officer. I originated During my leisure time, I enjoy for disbursement of county funds, the current investment policy for spending time with my husband, which could be by check, automated Guadalupe County and received children, granddaughter and clearinghouse (ACH) or electronic a Certificate of Distinction by the granddogs. I am a big movie buff — fund transfers (EFT). Protecting our Municipal Treasurers’ Association I love a good romance or suspense employees’ and vendors’ information of the United States. Our county movie! My favorite movie channels becomes more of a challenge every purchased a new financial software are Lifetime and Hallmark. I enjoy day. The risk of fraudulent checks, system and electronic timekeeping watching sports with my husband bogus vendors, identity theft and system to improve the effectiveness (who is a retired professional football counterfeit money is becoming more and efficiency of county services official) and playing recreational prevalent. I would recommend the and save taxpayers’ dollars. It was volleyball. I’ve always had a passion following advice to my peers: an honor to have been part of the for fashion and shopping. I did some • Keep a close eye on your implementation team for these modeling for a local photographer investments, projects. and several boutiques right after • Monitor your bank accounts daily, graduating high school. I also love • Set up bank fraud filter What do you find are the most successful interior decorating, art and traveling. notifications, methods for reaching out to the residents of • Verify all vendor information Guadalupe County to communicate what your What is your favorite thing about Guadalupe change requests, office is doing and why? County? • Implement an Internal Control I have found the best means of My favorite thing about Guadalupe Policy, communication with the public is County is the people. Even though • Create an Investment Advisory through the internet, Facebook, the county is growing by leaps and Committee, Twitter and news media. If there bounds, it is still small enough that • Work closely with your bank and are any important events or news everyone knows each other. It’s almost auditor, and the public needs to be made aware like everyone here is family. When • Reconcile your bank and of, my office will communicate the someone in the community is in need, investment accounts daily or at information through the county’s main everyone comes together to help out. least monthly. website as well as the Treasurer’s You won’t find a more loving and Diversification is our primary website. caring community. This is why I am defense against investment risk. humbled and honored to serve the By making fundamentally sound citizens of Guadalupe County. ★ investments and continuing to maximize the rate of return on your investments will improve your financial performance and ensure you meet the requirements of an ever- changing market. FACT: 254 motorcycle riders (15-20 years old) were killed in crashes in 2016.*
Download the full NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts—Young Drivers report at www.county.org/judicial/resources
*NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis
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★ | Voices of County Government | County Magazine Voices of county government Voices of County Government
HON. RAY SCIFRES Hockley County Sheriff
How long have you been the Hockley County an amazing staff. Running for office with our representation in Austin Sheriff? would not have been possible without about how we can tackle this issue. I took office on Jan. 1, 2017, so we the support of my wife and family. I just passed the two-year mark. I am blessed beyond measure and love What are some of the most difficult cannot believe how fast time is going! what I do each and every day. challenges you’ve faced, and what advice would you give your peers across the state Prior to your election, what kind of work did What was the biggest surprise or adjustment who may face the same or similar challenges? you do? How did you get interested in running after taking office? One of the areas of concern typically for office? Something that was a surprise to involves finances. We need to be I was the investigator for the me was just how involved the sheriff good stewards with what we have Yoakum County Criminal District must be in the jail, as well as how been blessed with, and we work daily Attorney’s Office. It was a fantastic large the issue of mental health to responsibly use money within environment, so leaving brought mixed among detainees has become. We have our budgets. This can at times be emotions. The people I worked with an excellent jail administrator who a challenge because equipment were amazing, and I do miss them. knows how to effectively operate our needs to be replaced. Vehicles and Running for office was something I jail, but as sheriff I am ultimately facilities need repair from wear and did not think I would do. However, I responsible, so I have really worked tear. We have worked to strengthen strongly felt called to seek the position with him to understand the dynamics relationships with our commissioners of sheriff and I wanted to make a of jail operations and inmate and our judge to keep them informed difference. I believed I could bring new management. of our needs and how we operate ideas and a new direction to the office, Another area that I have worked within our budgets. Some advice help build relationships with other at learning and that has become an related to budgets would have to be county and municipal offices, and work area of focus is the problem of mental this: be open and communicate with toward improving public safety in our illness among jail populations. We are others within county government. county through those partnerships. working locally to find resources, as Another challenge is addressing It is truly a team effort, and we have well as at the state level by speaking liability. In law enforcement there
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County Magazine | Voices of County Government | ★
is always liability, but we can When you’re not at work, what are you doing? work to mitigate it. The TAC Risk Do you have any hobbies or something unique Management Services group and that you’re interested in that may surprise Law Enforcement Consultants have your colleagues? been amazing resources for us. From Actually, we stay quite busy around model policies to training, we are our house! My wife and I have three better equipped to tackle issues due to daughters, ages 17, 13 and 8, who their assistance. keep us running. Each is involved in athletics including volleyball and Since taking office, what accomplishment are basketball, and my youngest daughter you most proud of? is a tumbling and trampoline gymnast Something we have been working who is already a state, regional and on has been our overcrowded jail. national champion. I am a graduate In all areas of construction, our products offer Like other counties, this has been student at Lamar University (Go the flexibility and performance you need to take a problem. We understood that any Cards!) and will complete my your business to the next level. solution to fixing the issue needs Master of Science in criminal justice Easily handle any type of job in the governmental a team approach. Last year, after in May 2019 before entering a market with Kirby-Smith Machinery. working with a local police chief, doctoral program in the near future. we formed an advisory committee Something my colleagues would be in our county with members from surprised about is that I studied prosecution, probation, defense ministry and the Bible at Lubbock attorneys and other local stakeholders Christian University, and I can read to analyze our local justice system. and translate biblical Greek. The goals are to make our system more effective and efficient, reduce What is your favorite thing about Hockley recidivism, and increase public safety. County? The best way to do that is to look at Hands down, it would have each element of our system and their to be the people. We have an roles, and see how we can improve our amazing Hockley County family. individual areas to better the system The communities in our county are and better serve our communities. supportive of law enforcement, but This took a while to get off the ground, more importantly, they are supportive Rentals • Sales • Parts • Service and we are now up and running. of each other. It is heartwarming to PAVING • COMPACTION • EXCAVATORS see how our communities do for each AIRCOMPRESSORS•PUMPS•LOADERS What do you find are the most successful other. This is truly a family. The best SOILSTABILIZERS•BOOMTRUCKS methods for reaching out to the residents of people on the planet. ★ COMPACTMILLINGMACHINES•DOZERS Hockley County to communicate what your CRUSHING•HOTBOX/RECYCLERS office is doing and why? www.kirby-smith.com Like many others, social media has 888.861.0219 been huge for us. We have utilized Abilene Amarillo Dallas Facebook for a few years and have 877.577.5729 800.283.1247 800.753.1247 recently started using Nextdoor. We Ft. Worth Kansas City Lubbock 877.851.9977 877.851.5729 866.289.6087 balance crime information, wanted Odessa Oklahoma City St. Louis individuals, community alerts and 877.794.1800 800.375.3339 866.279.1392 Tulsa “just for fun” posts that seem to be 800.375.3733 working. We reach a large audience on social media. We also have a great relationship Not all makes and models available at all locations. with the local news and print media. We are transparent and open to speak with them. They contact us when they have story ideas, and they share needed information we want to get out quickly. Open communication and transparency have been areas of focus for our office.
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★ | CLIPBOARD | News You Can Use
TAC Employee Spotlight: Receptionist Gaylene Jensen
ost great organizations This is the first TAC Employee have perfected their brand, Spotlight profil . Executive Director Mand many have a face that Susan Redford felt TAC members represents them. Think of Flo from should get to know the people that Progressive Auto Insurance or the are behind the scenes working for Colonel from Kentucky Fried Chicken. them every day. Jensen exemplifies When you see their face, you know the dedication to TAC members, which who they represent immediately. is why she was selected first She is In the case of the Texas Association quite humble and prefers to be behind of Counties (TAC), we don’t have a the scenes helping, not the center of face, but we do have a voice. Gaylene attention. “I haven’t ever even taken a Jensen is known as “The Voice of TAC” selfi ,” she said. and is instantly recognizable to any She also is an example of how frequent TAC visitor or caller. TAC strives to make lasting, true Jensen began working for TAC relationships with its members. “Many in November 1998 as the primary of our members have been serving the receptionist; she previously worked great people of Texas for the similar in retail as an area sales manager. amount of time as I’ve been with She is known for her kindness and TAC – some even longer,” Jensen said. eagerness to help those calling or “We have a common bond of caring visiting the offic . “My day begins about doing what’s best for our fellow early with assisting guests with citizens.” building entrance and directions to As the receptionist, Jensen has events or meetings of the day,” she spoken to so many people from all over said. “My priority is to connect the Texas. She says that she has developed member or staff seeking assistance to strong friendships that have offered the TAC staff member who can be the mutual support throughout the years, most helpful.” in good times and through difficult Working to help people all day, every ones. “This is a great fulfillment and day is not an easy task, but Jensen joy I receive coming to work each and truly enjoys it and it shows. “Gaylene every day,” she said. is kind, patient and respectful, no To TAC members, legislators, matter what is going on. She takes internal staff and the general public, great care of our county officials and Jensen IS the Voice of TAC. But is a force for good in our workplace; she is also the heart and soul of the she makes everyone’s day a little bit Association, which is why we want to better,” said TAC Assistant Executive shine a spotlight on her. ★ Director Rex Hall.
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Accidents Happen.
“One of our county vehicles was parked on a hill, but the emergency brake wasn’t on. Long story short, it’s not at the top of the hill now, and there’s no chance of driving it back up there. Does the court need to declare it surplus before it’s scrapped?”
But with the TAC Helpline, your day doesn’t have to be a total loss. We can get you answers to complicated questions about: • Tax Appraisals (888) 275-8224 • Roads and Bridges TAC HELPLINE • Public Property and Purchasing Est. 1989 • And so much more! Give us a call. 43091 TAOC COUNTY 14 3_21_2019
★ | CLIPBOARD | News You Can Use
COUNTY BEST PRACTICES AWARDS SPOTLIGHT Williamson COUNTY: EFFICIENCIES IMPROVE Operations, Save Tax Dollars Improved operations by Williamson County have boosted the ability of county employees to report incidents and claims through its Fleet Services, HR Risk & Safety and reporting departments. The initiative to upgrade to a single electronic form, from multiple hand-written forms, has significantly enhanced the county’s effectiveness and saved thousands of taxpayer dollars. In recognition, TAC has given a 2018 County Best Practices Award to Williamson County for its electronic incident reporting form. “I really like the new electronic [system],” said Paul Swisher, Williamson County Sheriff’s Office
Fleet Manager. “It tells you exactly (L) to (R): Williamson County Judge Dan Gattis (retired), Commissioner Cynthia Long, Commissioner Terry Cook, IT Analyst where the form is in the process and Gaynelle Flagg, former Senior Director of HR Tara Raymore, Risk Coordinator Heather Kirkwood, TAC County Relations Office drastically cuts routing time.” Prior Rick Avery, Commissioner Valerie Covey and Commissioner Larry Madsen (retired). to its implementation, departments completed three different paper forms County employees can also use any HR Risk & Safety improved its to report incidents and claims, routed desktop or mobile device to easily internal discovery processing from through interoffice mail. upload photos and documents into the approximately eight hours to just 15 Accessible to all county employees, system. minutes, resulting in person-hour the electronic form automatically Departments using the form have savings of $15,900 annually and routes to all of the appropriate reported that it saves them roughly 30 expediting reimbursements to the departments simultaneously for minutes per incident/claim submission county. acknowledgement and approval. simply by eliminating redundancy.
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News You Can Use | Clipboard | ★
Ashley Cureton | 2018 Employee of the Year Changing the way people think about what Cureton and her Health and Benefits it means to be healthy is no easy task, Services Department teammates spend at but for TAC Wellness Consultant Ashley least three days a week on the road meeting Cureton it is a challenge she embraces with TAC Health and Employee Benefits with laughter, compassion and energy. Pool (TAC HEBP) members, helping them Her presentations and workshops are understand how their individual wellness often about making drastic life changes, directly relates to their health care claims a subject that can be daunting. But when costs. She represents the Eastern territory, she speaks, she brings a lightness and which comprises about 46 counties. joy to the presentation that puts people at According to her supervisor Quincy Quinlan, ease, making the message of improving Director of Health and Benefits Services, health through diet, exercise and stress “Ashley’s health and wellness knowledge, management easier to take in. This is why matched with her work ethic, is extremely she won the 2018 TAC Employee of the impressive. She is one of our most sought Year Award. TAC staff choose the annual after speakers.” recipient of this honor. Her recipe for success is two-fold: she knows what she is talking about, having The electronic form initiative was earned her master’s degree in health spearheaded by HR Risk & Safety education from Texas State University, and TAC Wellness Consultant Mark Zolitsch Coordinator Heather Kirkwood with she loves to entertain. “The two things I added, “Ashley is a highly entertaining technology support from Information like best about my job,” she said, “are the and engaging presenter. She brings Technology Services. strategy part — looking at numbers and data unique attributes to the table that others “I’m encouraged by the concerted helps me understand the WHY — and I also don’t, thus making our team greater than effort of Williamson County’s officials love presenting and providing workshops. the sum of the parts and allowing us to and staff to invest the time and Interacting with members is priceless. I love better serve our members.” resources necessary to improve its acting — theater is my passion — so it all In addition to her commitment to TAC operational systems and run an seems to fit together.” members, her team and TAC, Cureton finds efficient organization,” said TAC Her main job focus is to improve the culture the time to be a rabid sports fan. Hailing Executive Director Susan M. Redford. in counties relating to health and wellness. from Washington, D.C., she is committed TAC’s biennial awards program That encompasses improving knowledge to her hometown team, the Washington recognizes the efforts of county leaders on everything from diet and exercise to Redskins, despite living in and loving in implementing innovative, scalable stress management and emotional/mental Texas. She is also committed to giving and replicable solutions to challenges health care. She works with a team of both back and volunteers for Big Brothers Big facing local government throughout Wellness and Employee Benefits consultants Sisters of America. “I’ve been a ‘Big’ since Texas. Areas of focus include financial in a holistic approach to improving the health 2016 and love it,” she said. and general management, public safety of county officials and employees. “It’s nice and corrections, health and human Cureton is passionate about helping to have a team where we can bounce ideas services, technology, community others improve their lives and has the off each other,” she said. “We all have our improvements and other county- know-how to make it happen. “She has strong suits. Mine is stress management and related responsibilities. an incredibly emphatic personality and organizational leadership.” exceptional analytic skills,” Quinlan Her team shares her passion for improving said, “and to top it all off — she has an health and wellness culture, and recognizes infectious smile that lights up a room.” Williamson County was one of eight the talent and drive Cureton brings to the Cureton’s combination of charm, table. “Ashley is an amazing coworker and Texas counties selected to receive a TAC intelligence and professional knowledge friend. She is passionate about her work and 2018 County Best Practices Award. earned her the 2018 Employee of the Year strives to help our team any way possible,” award. Learn more about the County Best said TAC Employee Benefits Consultant Practices Awards program at Lorie Floyd. “Her outlook on life is always a www.county.org/bestpractices. positive one. It is a privilege to work with her, especially as my teammate.”
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Education County Management & Risk Conference April 10-12 Breakout Sessions Offer Resources and Solutions
Breakout sessions during the County Tim Church, Management & Risk Conference, set M.D., M.P.H., for April 10-12 in San Marcos, will Ph.D., will offer attendees resources and solutions speak on in five different tracks: Human Thursday. One Resources, Risk Control (Safety), Risk of the country’s Management, Wellness, and Health leading and Benefits Services. physicians County officials and managers can in exercise choose from more than 20 breakout and obesity sessions on topics such as: research, • How to Conduct a Human Church is a professor of preventative Resources Risk Audit medicine at Pennington Biomedical • Current Trends in Jail Operations: Research Center at Louisiana State It’s More Than Just a Sheriff’s University, where he promotes healthy Problem living through research and education • Critical Risks Impacting Texas in nutrition and exercise biology. Counties and Their Budgets Closing the conference on Friday, • Facts About Pharmacy artist, speaker and author Richard To register and see detailed Hight will descriptions of these sessions and incorporate others in the updated agenda, visit art into his www.county.org/cmrc. presentation, The conference will also feature inspire the several inspirational and informative audience to keynote speakers. find their Travel Reimbursement Speaker and innate skills Members of TAC HEBP, TAC author John and appreciate RMP and TAC Unemployment Fund O’Leary, those others can be reimbursed for most travel who at age 9 possess. His expenses incurred for this conference. suffered severe core message A maximum of two people per county burns to his encourages collaboration and can be reimbursed. entire body, connection for better productivity and will kick off cohesiveness. Conference Registration and the conference The conference will also provide More Info on Wednesday information about the TAC Health and Registration, lodging and more with his Employee Benefits Pool (TAC HEBP), conference and travel reimbursement positive and the TAC Risk Management Pool (TAC information are available from inspirational message. His book “On RMP) and the TAC Unemployment www.county.org/CMRC. Additional Fire,” is a national best seller and has Compensation Group Account Fund conference details will be posted been translated into 12 languages. (TAC Unemployment Fund). as they become available. Contact The event is open to all TAC Amy Lawson in the TAC Education members, not just members of Department at (800) 456-5974 with TAC HEBP, TAC RMP or the TAC any questions. Unemployment Fund.
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JUDICIAL EDUCATION Probate Academy Set CALENDAR May 8-10 in Lubbock APRIL-JULY 2019 TAC’s Texas Judicial Academy (TJA) will hold its 2019 Probate Academy, May 8-10, at the Overton West Texas Judges and Hotel and Conference Center in Lubbock. The Commissioners Annual Conference program is for constitutional county judges, elected April 23-26 clerks and court personnel who hear and dispose of Amarillo Civic Center, Amarillo general jurisdiction probate dockets and guardianship cases. The course will feature two tracks: one for judges and one for clerks and Probate Academy those responsible for daily operations of the probate court. The interactive May 8-10 curriculum emphasizes the duties outlined in the Texas Estates Code. Facilitated Overton Hotel and Conference Center, discussions with other elected officials and county personnel will provide Lubbock interactive training. North and East Texas County In addition to in-depth training on core topics, the exchange of practical Judges and Commissioners Annual solutions to common problems is encouraged. Conference The TJA is a partnership between TAC and the Texas Tech University School May 13-16 of Law. The Probate Academy is partially funded by a Judicial and Court Brazos County Expo, College Station Personnel Training Fund Grant administered by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. DWI Summit — Victoria Learn more and register online at www.county.org/judicial. June 6 Victoria College Emerging Technology Complex, Victoria Conference of the County Investment South Texas County Judges & Commissioners Annual Conference Academy June 3-5 | San Antonio June 10-13 In today’s economy, sound Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort management of county financial and Spa, San Antonio assets can mean the difference Contact the V.G. Young Institute between an embarrassing of County Government for more financial disaster and investment information at (979) 845-4572. returns that supplement precious tax dollars. Prudent, professional DWI Summit — Denton management of public funds June 27 requires specialized knowledge Embassy Suites by Hilton Denton, and expertise. Proper and Denton frequent training for public funds investors can prevent costly errors. The Conference of the County Investment Academy brings together Texas Counties and the Mentally Ill investment officers, economists and other experts to discuss the influences on July 18-19 the current economy and timely trends in investing. This conference provides Sheraton Austin Georgetown Hotel & the most up-to-date information on monetary policy, ethics, municipal bonds Conference Center, Georgetown and an in-depth understanding of local government pools. Breakout sessions will offer both basic- and advanced-level sessions. Impaired Driving Symposium This training is open to all county officials and staff who want to learn more July 25-26 about county investment operations. This annual conference also features Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Austin, roundtable discussions by portfolio size to meet your investing needs. Austin The McCoy College of Business Administration at Texas State University is Learn more and register at the education co-sponsor of the Conference of the County Investment Academy. www.county.org/judicial There are no prerequisites required to attend this program. Fifteen hours of *Details subject to change continuing education is approved for County Investment Academy members. Also CPAs, auditors, treasurers, clerks, commissioners and tax assessor- collectors may also earn credit toward mandatory continuing education requirements. Learn more and register online at www.county.org/investment.
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County Investment Academy: Introducing the Class of 2019 .
Congratulations to the 83 county offers further training opportunities and officials and staff who attended access to a network of experienced county the Basics of County Investments investors from across the state. Course, held Feb. 5-8 in San Marcos. The County Investment Academy is a Successful completion of the course, cooperative partnership between the Texas which is offered only once a year, Association of Counties and the McCoy makes participants eligible for cover products and services in the public funds College of Business Administration at membership in TAC’s County Investment markets, as well as updates on the latest laws Texas State University. The Basics of County Academy. and investment strategies. Investments Course meets the educational The Academy’s Basics course includes requirements of the Texas Public Funds This introductory course has proved to be designing an investment policy, Investment Act (PFIA). especially helpful to commissioners court understanding allowable investment members and anyone directly involved in Learn more about the Academy and options, managing various types of risk and managing portfolios. Academy membership register for upcoming training events at computing investment yields. Presentations www.county.org/investment
CLASS OF 2019 COUNTY INVESTMENT ACADEMY Ms. Jessica Adame Hon. B. L. Dockens Ms. Barbara Gonzales San Patricio County Chief Deputy Trinity County Treasurer Caldwell County Auditor Hon. Dianna Adams Hon. Christina Dodrill Ms. Sandra Gonzalez San Jacinto County Treasurer Eastland County Treasurer El Paso County Hon. Sharon Adams Hon. Ryan Douglas Hon. Paul A. Granberg Howard County Treasurer Navarro County Treasurer Blanco County Commissioner Hon. Jeneane Anderegg Mr. Ryan G. Dow Ms. Stephanie Granberry Andrews County Commissioner Director of Finance, Comal County Assistant Manager, Dallas County Appraisal District Hon. Kimberly Barrier Hon. Joyce Guthmann Erath County Treasurer Hon. Gaylon Evans Colorado County Treasurer Bell County Treasurer Hon. Denise Bohannon Hon. Charlie Hallmark Hockley County Treasurer Hon. Charlie Falcon Jefferson County Treasurer Andrews County Judge Hon. Jill Brewer Hon. R. J. Hampton Angelina County Treasurer Hon. Gary Fomby Wichita County Treasurer Newton County Commissioner Hon. Melanie K. Bush Ms. Becky Haynes Montgomery County Treasurer Hon. Lynn French Harrison County Auditor Hansford County Treasurer Ms. Carole M. Callahan Hon. Scott Heselmeyer Williamson County Chief Deputy Treasurer Ms. April Garcia Williamson County Treasurer San Patricio County Senior Clerk Mr. Kevin Camacho Mr. Tracy Hines Dallas County Supervisor Ms. Yvonne Garcia Dallas County Chief Deputy El Paso County Senior Accountant Hon. Brad Campsey Ms. Christy E. Hodges Jack County Treasurer Hon. James E. Garren Upton County Auditor Mills County Commissioner Hon. Laura Conner Crockett County Treasurer
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Hon. Bryan Howard Mrs. Patricia Reaves With this Issue Goliad County Treasurer Payroll Assistant, Montgomery County Ms. Bonnie Kennedy Hon. Raul Lorenzo Reyes Texas County Trinity County Auditor Webb County Treasurer
Lo cally Elected & Ap pointed County Officials Government(Includi Mr. Kirk Kirkpatrick Hon. William Rickert ng Au 254 ditors) Johnson County Auditor Fort Bend County Treasurer 254 Mr. Mark LaRue Hon. Aaron D. Rodriguez Services Poster Harris County Financial Analyst Val Verde County Treasurer Shrink-wrapped TEXAS COUNTIES DELIVER Effective, Efficient, Local Solutions
Hon. Lita Leo Ms. Anita Saul-Turner with this issue of [Here Are Just a Few Things Counties Do for You. Hidalgo County Treasurer Financial Administrator Accounting and County magazine ] Trust, Dallas County Clerk’s Office 254 Mr. Charles Lewing are two copies 254 Reeves County Auditor Hon. Vicki Scott (in English and4548 MILLION 4,400+ Andrews County Clerk Locally Elected & Serving In all Spanish) of the Appointed County Officials 28 million+ Mr. Rufino H. Lozano, RPA-RTA Texas Citizens 254 Texas Counties
Holds all Provideelec Public Safety & Justice Co tion Chief Appraiser, Comal County Appraisal Hon. Mike Simmons unties Make su s poster, “Texas re demo cracy works at Mainta every level in your most impo rtant records District Wood County Commissioner Counties Deliver Provide emergency management in times of crisi s Ms. Janet Martin Ms. Jackie Skinner Effective, Law Enforcement Court System Erath County Auditor Tyler County Auditor Efficient, Local Jails Hold Elections at Every Level Hon. Pete Jasso Martinez Ms. Barbara A. Speck Solutions:5,200+ Here Frio County Treasurer Schleicher County Deputy Treasurer Are Just a Few
From the School Board… Things Counties Sources: The County Information Program, Texas Association of Counties; and the Texas Secretary of State. Hon. Ron Massingill Ms. Courtney Springer …to the President of the United States Hood County Judge Harris County Do for You.” Maintain Texans’ Most Important Records
The poster 146,961 Hon. Leigh Ann McCoy Hon. Terri Stahl Miles of County Roads Marriage T here ar Licenses Birth Certificates Property Deeds and e 9 highlights 8 Vehicle Registration Hood County Treasurer Dawson County Treasurer county a irpor Death Certificates ts & he liports. Hon. Britney Meraz Hon. David Stout the essential Keep Texans & the Economy Moving Ochiltree County Treasurer El Paso County Commissioner services
counties 1 in 5 Bridges Are Built & Maint ained By Texas Counties
Hon. Chuck Mohnkern Mr. Christopher Taylor Sources: The County Information Program, Texas Association of Counties; NACo Research; and the Texas Department of T Kaufman County Treasurer Tarrant County Assistant Criminal District provide ransportation. Attorney Texans. We Provide Health & Safety Services Hon. Leann Monk Tyler County Treasurer Hon. Carl Teaff encourage
Veterans EMS Service you to hang it Services Districts and Hospitals and Sutton County Commissioner 911 Systems Medical Clinics Proper Trash Hon. Sonia Murphy Disposal in the public Provide Emergency Management Pecos County Treasurer Mr. Donny Tran Commissioner, Matagorda Navigation areas of your Hon. Jimmy Neeley District courthouse
Commissioner, Matagorda Navigation Wildfires Natural & Man-Made
and other Disasters Infectious Disease Outbreaks District Hon. Rito J. Valdez, III COUNTIES DO THIS AND MUCH MORE Maverick County Treasurer county 365 days a year, in all 254 Ms. Jackie S. Olson counties. Howard County Auditor Mr. Cristian T. Villarreal buildings. Assistant Deputy, Brazos County TexasCountiesDeliver.org
A Few Things Counties Do For You POSTER Jan 2019.indd 1 Hon. Matthew Dylan Osborne Revised January 2019 Harris County Treasurer Hon. Tommy Weir 2/7/19 9:15 AM Blanco County Commissioner Additional copies Hon. Brenda Overstreet are available from TAC for the cost of Childress County Treasurer Hon. Darla Welch Yoakum County Treasurer shipping. Place an online order and Ms. Vonda Owens find more Texas Counties Deliver public Dallas County Internal Audit Supervisor Mr. David W. Wendel outreach resources at www.county.org/ San Patricio County Auditor Ms. Shirley Penner texascountiesdeliver. Hockley County Auditor Hon. Phillip A. White Newton County Commissioner Hon. Rene M. Perez Duval County Commissioner Hon. Nicole M. Whittington Chambers County Treasurer Mrs. Susan F. Puz Administrative Assistant, Newton County Hon. Hope Fernandez Williams Winkler County Commissioner Ms. Elizabeth Ramirez Harris County Hon. Jim Wolverton Guadalupe County Commissioner Hon. Angela Meuth Rawlinson Caldwell County Treasurer
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2019 HEALTHY COUNTY Contests Time to step things up on your way 2019 SCHEDULE to a healthier lifestyle. Fortunately, Complete three out of four contests with the help of the new Healthy and earn $50 in Boomer Bucks. County wellness portal (energized by 6K-a-Day Sonic Boom), it’s easy. Mar. 11-Apr. 21 If you haven’t done so already, visit Log 30 days of 6,000 www.county.org/sonicboom, create steps For Healthy County questions, a new Sonic Boom account, register contact Wellness Specialist Allison your physical activity tracker (Fitbit, County vs. County Kennedy at (800) 456-5974 or Garmin, etc.) and get stepping. May 13-June 23 [email protected]. For help with The Healthy County wellness portal Log 30 days of 6,000 accessing the portal, connecting platform transitioned in January steps devices, participating in contests and from Provant to Sonic Boom. While Keep Texas Active tracking incentives, contact creating a new account is necessary, July 8-Sept. 1 Sonic Boom’s customer support at you’ll only need one password and one Log 30 days of 7,000 (877) 766-4208 or [email protected]. app for the contests. After you sync steps your physical activity tracker to the Healthy for the Holidays portal, you will also be automatically Oct. 21-Dec. 1 enrolled in every step-based contest Log 30 days of 7,000 throughout 2019. How does that steps sound? Pretty good, huh? Meet Your New HBS Consultants The TAC Health and Benefits Services Department (HBS) has Clarissa Martinez, Employee Benefits Consultant moved to a five-territory account team structure (Northeast, Martinez earned a bachelor’s degree in Northwest, South, East and West) to better serve and support allied health from Texas A&M University. She members. As a result of this change, there will be an enhanced has extensive experience in the service and level of service through commissioners court and district visits, insurance industries working with individuals and mid-year plan reviews, open enrollment sessions, county- businesses to provide supplemental benefits for specific incentive programs, health fairs and on-site employee their employees. wellness presentations. Biral Patel, Wellness Consultant Learn about the new HBS service members here. Please note: Patel earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from day-to-day contacts and Employee Benefits Specialists have not Houston Baptist University and a master’s in public changed and still serve one of four original territories (Northeast, health from the University of Texas Health Science Northwest, Southeast and Southwest). Center School of Public Health. She also interned To learn more, visit www.county.org and navigate to “Find Your with the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Food TAC HEBP Team” under the “Health & Employee Benefits” link. and Nutrition Division. Santos Trejo, Employee Benefits Consultant Stacey Bruington, Wellness Consultant A U.S. Army veteran, Trejo earned a bachelor’s Bruington earned a master’s degree in nursing degree from Dallas Baptist University and a from Lubbock Christian University. She brings master’s in business administration. His previous more than 15 years of experience in public experience includes 10 years with Farmers health nursing with an emphasis in public health Insurance as an agent and operations manager. education. He also spent four years in the insurance and financial sectors.
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Risk Management Webinars Available to Members TAC members can participate in one-hour webinars April 24 — The 2019 Employee Safety Equipment throughout 2019 on topics ranging from dealing with Program hurricanes and other catastrophes to fire safety, mental May 9 — The Myth of “At Will” health issues in jails and more. Presented by TAC Risk Management Services staff, June 20 — Hurricane & Catastrophe Prep Series, Part each webinar is free to TAC members and includes a Q&A 3: Claims in the Aftermath – Minimizing the Chaos session with the presenter(s). To register, contact Lee Bell- from a Catastrophic Loss Hovland at [email protected]. July 18 — Fire Safety: Protecting Property and Lives March 20 — Hurricanes & Catastrophic Prep Series, Aug. 14 — Managing Diversity: Employees from Part 1: What Role Should HR Play in Planning and Multiple Cultures and Generations Preparing for Response? Oct. 24 — Mental Health Issues in Jails March 27 — Hurricanes & Catastrophic Prep Series, Nov. 11 — Understanding the Workers’ Compensation Part 2 Audit Process and Class Code Classifications
BuyBoard® Purchasing Cooperative Returns $8.4 Million to Members The Local Government Purchasing Cooperative always find value in the Cooperative and Board returned approximately $8.4 million in BuyBoard,” said Kirkland. the form of rebates to 1,001 members of the BuyBoard’s total purchase volume is in excess BuyBoard online purchasing system in 2017-18. of $1.2 billion, and its membership is more than A total of 157 counties received a rebate for a 5,200. The Cooperative is endorsed by the Texas total amount of $998,207. Association of Counties, Texas Municipal League, Texas Association Established as a nonprofit to support and serve public schools, of School Administrators and Texas Association of School Boards municipalities, counties, local government agencies and nonprofits, (TASB). The Cooperative is also a Strategic Partner with the Texas the Cooperative has rebated a total of just over $49.7 million to Association of School Business Officials. members since 2006. “The continued growth in the Cooperative in both purchase volume “For the past 20 years, the BuyBoard has continued to leverage and membership is a testament to the value and benefit that the purchasing power of its members and offer a wide selection members receive by participating in a cooperative program,” said of quality products and services at competitive prices providing Gerald Brashears, cooperative division director, TASB. the best value for the taxpayer,” said Pam Kirkland, chair of the “The Cooperative is proud of its long history of issuing rebates Cooperative Board of Trustees and purchasing agent for the City of to members. These rebates are just one of many ways that this Plano. nonprofit supports and serves members,” said Brashears. “It is our mission to offer competitively procured high-quality products and services from top-performing vendors so our members
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Legislative
Counties Round Out County Government Month with County Government Day, Serving Barbecue April 30 County Counsel and Legal and Legislative We all know the work that county officials will Services Director Garry Merritt. officials do affects every Texan. But top off a month Contact Amy Ruedas at we need to constantly be telling and of celebrating, amyr@ county.org for any questions re-telling that story. We need to talk educating about the County Government Day about law enforcement and the judicial and telling event or call (800) 456-5974. system, elections and infrastructure, their county’s and how much counties accomplish stories for National County Government Month with so few tax dollars,” said TAC 2019 National Every April, the National Association Executive Director Susan Redford. County of Counties (NACo) urges counties County officials can find a variety Government around the country to celebrate of educational resources to share Month with a National County Government Month with their constituents at www. barbecue lunch (NCGM) to raise public awareness and county.org/texascountiesdeliver. There at the Capitol. understanding about the roles and are infographics, posters and fun, TAC will host responsibilities of county government. educational videos to help deliver a County Throughout the month, counties the story of efficient, effective local Government Day on April 30 with can actively promote their programs government. There are also practical delicious barbeque from the legendary and services by hosting community ideas for educating the public and Louie Mueller Barbecue of Taylor. outreach events and activities. stories from county officials around The event will be held at the Capitol Ideas include hosting tours of the state about how they successfully Extension in Legislative Conference county facilities, holding recognition share their county’s story. Room E2.002. All county officials, ceremonies for county employees and Officials should also check NACo’s legislators and staff are invited to grab volunteers, distributing information website to find additional information a free lunch from 11:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m. about county programs and services, and resources to help counties plan County officials are urged to invite sponsoring student essay and art county government month activities, their legislators to join them for lunch, contests, meeting with business including sample proclamations, logos, and visit with them on the issues and community leaders, adopting posters and a guidebook, all of which important to counties. resolutions, hosting student field trips can be found at www.naco.org/NCGM. “Every legislator will receive a print and staging mock trials. County officials are encouraged invitation, and we’re putting the word “We all know that county to share their plans and engage out there when we visit offices, but we government is efficient and effective. their community by posting planned also encourage you to call activities on social media your legislators beforehand using the hashtag #NCGM. to personally invite them Counties can send messages and their staff to attend,” on Twitter and Instagram said TAC Senior Legislative to @TexasCounties or tag Services Manager Rick TAC on Facebook. Texas Thompson. counties celebrating NCGM “This lunch is a great way can also send photos and to end County Government descriptions of events Month, and the perfect to County magazine for chance to visit with publication on TAC’s legislators and staff before Facebook page, Twitter the session wraps up and and Instagram accounts, the final important votes and in the print and online are cast,” said TAC General versions of County.
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County Government Day
You are invited to join us for a barbeque lunch. TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2019 11:30am-1:15pm Capitol Extension Legislative Conference Room, E2.002 43091 TAOC COUNTY 24 3_21_2019
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County Officials Descend on the Capitol for Legislative Day More than 100 county officials got unfunded mandate protections in up early for breakfast and a full slate HJR 30 by Rep. DeWayne Burns of events in Austin at TAC’s Counties (R-Cleburne) and SJR 10 by Sen. at the Capitol legislative day on Dawn Buckingham (R-Lakeway). Feb. 5. Activities throughout the day Following the talks, county official focused on connecting the worlds of made their way to the Capitol to attend the courthouse and Capitol through Gov. Greg Abbott’s State of the State conversations between legislators and address and meet with legislators one county officials about their shared on one. service to the people of Texas. Abbott declared several emergency After a brief introduction from TAC items during his State of the State Executive Director Susan Redford, address to a joint session of the attendees heard from Sen. Kel Seliger Legislature. Among his emergency (R-Amarillo) about his perspective on items was property tax relief in the the legislative session. form of a 2.5 percent cap on cities, Also TAC President and Hidalgo counties and school districts. The County Constable Larry Gallardo governor also prioritized school safety, introduced Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa school finance reform mental health (D-McAllen), who hails from Gallardo’s and disaster response. The emergency home county. He expanded on Sen. declarations mean that legislators can Seliger’s comments on the importance vote on these items during the first 60 of local government officials engaging days of the session, essentially fast- in the process during the legislative tracking them. session. Counties back property tax “You need to be part of the process relief, and made it clear at a joint — be at the table — in a dialogue press conference along with city about the role of state and local official , school representatives, first governments,” said Sen. Hinojosa. “It’s responders and others. They raised going to require negotiation, and I the alarm on the detrimental effects hope that will lead to more responsible of a revenue cap on essential and legislation.” mandated services, and they voiced TAC legislative staff presented their support for school finance reform updates on important issues for and constitutional unfunded mandate the current legislative session. TAC protection. Senior Legislative Manager Noe “Revenue caps limit the ability of Barrios addressed state budget local government to provide essential highlights, revenue projections and services, such as disaster response, the anticipated balance of the State’s health care, law enforcement, and Economic Stabilization Fund, better mental health and veterans services,” known as the Rainy Day Fund. said Robert D. Johnston, Anderson TAC Legislative Manager Kelsey County judge and president of the Bernstein covered the highlights County Judges and Commissioners of behavioral health legislation Association of Texas. “Revenue and the budget impact of mental caps won’t reduce property taxes; In the evening, a crowd of legislators health services on county budgets. addressing school finance and the tax and staff joined county officials for TAC Legislative Manager Aurora appraisal process will.” food, refreshment and fellowship in Flores discussed the revenue caps The press conference was TAC’s event center a few blocks from legislation and proposed measures livestreamed on TAC’s Facebook and the Capitol. Many thanks to all the relating to disaster relief. TAC Senior Twitter, and generated front-page county officials who participated and Legislative Manager Rick Thompson headlines and coverage of the county helped to share the county message at gave an update on constitutional perspective across the state. the Capitol.
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The Legislature is back. Get in-depth analysis of what they did and didn’t do during the 86th Legislative Session when you attend TAC’s Legislative It Pays To Connect Conference this September. Invite your legislator to join you for the 2019 Legislative Register now to save your spot and secure Conference at no cost to them. your room at the host hotel. Join your peers If they attend as your guest, in public service from across the state at the TAC will also reimburse your premiere conference for county government conference registration fee. in Texas. It’s a win-win all around. Be the first to register online and answer “Yes, my legislator is You’ll have ample opportunity to network attending.” Reimbursements with county officials from every office and will be provided after every corner of the state, plus legislators, the conference. (One officials and other experts about the issues reimbursement awarded that affect your county and your constituents. per legislator.)
Visit Many county officials will earn hours of www.county.org/legconference today to register and required continuing education at the book your room. conference. �
LEGISLATIVE
2019 CONFERENCE ⦿ Focused on the Future ⦿ Sept. 4-6 / Fairmont Hotel / Austin 43091 TAOC COUNTY 26 3_21_2019
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Catch “TAC on the Lege” Webcast Each Friday During Session TAC’s Legislative Services Division is back with the second season of the popular webcast companion to their County Issues newsletter, “TAC on the Lege.” Launched in 2017 at the beginning of the 85th Legislative Session, the roundtable- style video podcast discussions feature a TAC’s Tuesday Morning Breakfasts rotating cast of TAC Legislative Services staff reviewing the week’s events in the Serve Up Legislative Bites Legislature. They examine bills and the big ongoing issues, analyze challenges Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. And through May, the TAC unique to the Legislature and provide the Legislative Services Division’s Tuesday Morning Breakfasts are the most needed county context. important meal of the week. County officials can attend and grab a hot breakfast along with some food for thought from the experts each Tuesday morning “‘TAC on the Lege’ is just another way for throughout the session. county officials to get timely information “The world is run by those who show up, so I encourage all county officials about all of the important issues facing who plan to be in Austin during the session to make a point to attend these county government at the Capitol,” said breakfasts,” said TAC General Counsel and Legal and Legislative Services TAC Senior Legislative Manager Rick Department Director Garry Merritt.” Thompson. “It’s an easy way for our TAC is hosting county officials from across the state, along with other local members to get quick updates, even just government stakeholders and key members of the Capitol crowd, for a working listening to the podcast while you do breakfast meeting each Tuesday starting at 7:30 a.m. The meetings focus on other work.” important county-related bills moving through the chambers of the Legislature, Episodes of “TAC on the Lege” will updates from county official associations, the inner workings of the legislative be delivered to county officials’ email process and other timely topics for the week ahead. inboxes as part of the County Issues The breakfasts are free; there is no need to register ahead of time. They are also newsletter each week. They will also a great opportunity to meet TAC staff and network with other elected officials. be available on TAC’s YouTube channel, “Our goal is a useful meeting that can get everyone on a good footing at the www.youtube.com/TexasCounties, and start of the week,” said TAC Senior Legislative Manager Rick Thompson. “Any on the Association’s Facebook page, county official can attend if they’re in town.” www.facebook.com/TexasCounties. All breakfasts are held from 7:30-8:30 a.m. on the fourth floor of the TAC Officials wanting to receive important building, a short walk from the Capitol, at 1210 San Antonio St. Officials can also updates delivered directly to their email park for free in the TAC parking garage while visiting the Legislature. inbox can subscribe to County Issues at www.county.org/CountyIssues. County 2019 Legislative Schedule Issues is distributed weekly during legislative sessions and monthly during Below is a list of important dates to note for the 86th legislative session. the interim. Friday, March 8 Sunday, June 16 Deadline for filing most bills and joint Last day the governor may sign or veto bills resolutions Monday, Aug. 26 Tuesday, April 30 Bills without a specific effective date County Government Day at the Capitol become law Monday, May 27 Wednesday Sept. 4 – Friday, Sept. 6 Sine Die, the last day of the regular session TAC Legislative Conference of the 86th Legislature
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LegalEase: A Bumpy Road Ahead? One of TAC’s guiding principles is to help county officials meet the unique challenges of local government. To that end, TAC’s Legal Division brings you LegalEase. Questions and answers like those below are delivered to county officials by email each month. It features timely, relevant and interesting topics of importance to county government. Highlights from those emails also appear in County magazine. County officials can always call TAC’s toll-free helpline at (888) ASKTAC4 or (888) 275-8224 for Neighborhood Roads court must provide 20 days’ notice by assistance with legal research Chapter 253 of the Transportation certified mail to the record owners of questions or for more information Code authorizes a procedure for the property that they are in violation about legal deadlines. County officials improving private subdivision roads of an order adopted under Chapter who want to submit questions online “to comply with county standards for 254 of the Transportation Code. The can visit www.county.org/helpline. roads” where the condition of the roads commissioners court must pay the impacts the public’s health, safety or costs incurred in clearing or removing “My last meeting in the community welfare. The commissioners court must a blockage. really bottomed out. Our citizens are make this determination. The public must be notified and a hearing must spinning their wheels about all the “The entire commissioners court take place. Ballots must be mailed to potholes in their neighborhood. The wants to attend the 2019 TAC property owners in the subdivision, roads aren’t county roads. Is there Legislative Conference, but we don’t and if the majority vote in favor of anything we can do to help get them want to violate the Open Meetings Act. the improvement and assessment, the out of this rut, or do we just need to Do we just have to draw straws and commissioners court shall order the prepare for a bumpy road ahead?” leave a few behind to avoid a quorum?” improvements and assess the costs of Q: May a county perform the improvements against the property Q: Can all of the members of maintenance work on private owners. A private subdivision road the commissioners court attend a property? improved under Chapter 253 becomes conference together without violating A: Generally, a county may not repair a county road. For a more in-depth the Open Meetings Act? or maintain a private road or property, discussion of this topic, see TAC’s A: Good news — you may all attend! subject to a few exceptions: publication, Common Road and Bridge Government Code §551.001(4) says Counties with a population under Questions. the term “meeting” does not include the gathering of a quorum of the 7,500 Driveways and Culverts commissioners court at a social Tex. Const., Article III, Section 52f There is limited authority to clear function unrelated to county business authorizes counties with a population drainage ditches and culverts on or the attendance of a quorum at a of 7,500 or fewer to construct or private property in counties with a convention, workshop, ceremonial repair private roads if the county population of fewer than 100,000 that event, press conference, candidate charges a reasonable amount for the have established a drainage system forum, appearance or debate if the work. Revenue received from private under §254.008 of the Transportation court takes no formal action and any roadwork may be used only for the Code. The private ditch or culvert discussion about county business is construction, including right-of-way must connect with a drainage ditch incidental to the event. See TAC’s acquisition, or maintenance of public constructed or maintained by the Legal Services Division publication roads. county. Before removing blockage in on the Open Meetings Act for more a private ditch, the commissioners information.
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Two hundred and six Healthy County wellness coordinators and sponsors from 122 counties attended the 10th annual Healthy County Boot Camp Feb. 20-22 in Georgetown. The event focused on creating wellness both in counties and in each person’s life. Attendees learned about different strategies and programs available to improve and support county employees in their wellness goals, focusing on specific dimensions of health — including the physical, social, emotional and environmental — and how each area of health affects total well-being. Healthy County is the wellness program of the Texas Association of Counties Health and Employee Benefits Pool (TAC HEBP). This is a sneak peek at the conference in photos. Look for more in-depth coverage of keynote addresses and breakout sessions in the May/June issue of County magazine.
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★ | County Magazine
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While I serve my community …
The TAC Risk Management Pool serves me with: • Broad range of county-specific coverage • Comprehensive risk management services • Competitive & stable pricing • 24/7 claims hotline • Customized risk control programs • Value-added membership benefits • Sound county leadership • Financial stability
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www.county.org/TACRMP • (800) 456-5974 43091 TAOC COUNTY 32 3_21_2019
KEEPING COUNTIES IN THE KNOW Communications Evolved, Expanded to Best Serve Members 43091 TAOC COUNTY 33 3_21_2019
County Magazine | ★
or more than 50 years, the in its Constitution, as follows: “… the Texas Association of Counties Association shall (a) establish and (TAC) has worked hard to maintain an information service, communicate to its members designed for the benefit of all county the information they need to officials and maintained through the best perform their duties and cooperative exchange of information serveF their constituents. and experience by county officials and TAC’s communications push started the collection and dissemination of with a one-page newsletter banged this information to county officials. out on a manual typewriter shortly … ” after its founding in 1969. Fifty years Over the years, TAC’s later, TAC’s communications efforts communication efforts have include a 400-plus-page website, video expanded to ensure members get the Editor’s Note: As County magazine podcasts, timely Tweets and Facebook information they want and need, no celebrates TAC’s 50th anniversary, posts, and much more. matter how they want to receive it — it is featuring a series of articles Keeping members informed is one whether that’s print, email, online, that will look at the history of TAC of TAC’s many important services to videos or social media posts. through the lens of the services it members. It’s included as a key duty provides to counties. This installment Good Old-Fashioned Print covers the history of TAC’s technology In the Association’s early days, and communications. printed newsletters helped TAC’s Responding to the needs leaders explain its of counties is foundational mission of supporting to TAC’s existence. It’s counties and county in the organization’s officials by providing DNA, and it has been the useful, timely and reliable animating force behind its information, including five decades of service to updates on legislation the institution of county that might affect counties. government and the The first TAC newsletter county officials who serve apparently went out their communities in all shortly soon after county 254 Texas counties. leaders sat down on June Future issues of County 19, 1969, to establish the magazine will cover foundations of the new a deep dive into the organization. A newsletter TAC pools (May/June), that focused solely on the evolution of TAC’s legislative issues came out education offerings shortly thereafter, according (Sept./Oct.) and a look to Kenneth A. “Buck” at TAC leadership Douglas, the Association’s throughout the first full-time paid executive years (Nov./Dec.). In director. January 2020 County Recalling his tenure from magazine will release 1973-77, Douglas wrote in a commemorative 1994, “The first thing I did 50th anniversary was to get organized to get issue with all the 50th out a weekly newsletter about anniversary articles, the Legislature.” timelines and photos. As the Association’s services and programs grew in response to members’ needs, TAC marked another major communications milestone in 1989 with the launch of the quarterly County magazine.
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★ | County Magazine
The publication focused on county and Association news as well as The first issue also provided a review of features covering current hot topics County Magazine the 71st Legislative Session, including a to county government — from how declaration by the House making April 25th counties should deal with solid waste Turns the Big 3-0 County Official Day, as well as a summary to the state’s criminal justice crisis. As TAC turns 50, its cornerstone publication, on bills affecting counties that either A trusted source for news, County magazine, also marks a significant passed, died or were left in limbo. The County added two more issues a milestone — turning 30. The premiere issue issue also informed members of educational year in 1992 when it became a bi- launched in the summer of 1989 under the opportunities and upcoming events. monthly publication. Read more leadership of Executive Director Sam Seale It soon became apparent that County was about the evolution of County in and Managing Editor Jim Lewis. needed more than four times a year, and in the accompanying article, “County The new publication was published March/April 1992 the magazine went bi-monthly. Magazine Turns the Big 3-0.” quarterly with “the aim to give Texas County has always been a staple in county During the early 1990s, TAC county officials a timely, reliable offices, providing a valuable connection between published its first newsletters that information source on county affairs and the different offices inside the courthouse. TAC focused on helping counties better the activities of TAC and the county officials Executive Director Susan Redford said, “During manage risk and promote wellness. organizations,” according to Seale in the my time as Ector County Judge, I found County “Personnel Pointers,” “Flashpoint” magazine’s first-ever Staff Report column. magazine an invaluable source of information. and “Health Works” arrived inserted I looked forward to each issue and would often in County and included such During its first few years, County provided save articles that I thought would be useful to information as how to comply with relatively brief issues at just 22 pages reference in the future.” the Family Medical Leave Act, tips for and with only two-color production. The safe lifting and working outdoors in first feature article in the inaugural issue In 2005, the magazine went from one- and hot weather, and advice about taking was “Economic Development Options for two-color processing to limited four-color up walking to improve health. Counties” by then-Morris County Judge layouts. Manuel Ruiz with Capital Printing, Ron Cowan, detailing the effects of the which has printed the magazine from the start, oil crunch on counties that did not have a remembers, “Jim Lewis and I would meet single gas or oil well.
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magazine full-color throughout. This gave the designers and editors the ability to use stunning photography and color graphics to illustrate the stories they told. The magazine began its online presence in 2013. In 2014, Anna McGarity took over as Managing Editor. The magazine staff includes graphic designer after the page count was determined each photos, in-depth features on counties and Ben Chomiak and TAC Communication issue, and I would come up with the various their innovative programs, professional Specialists, who also act as lead writers. pagination options for him to review. He development articles to improve efficiencies The team strives to uphold the quality and would then select which forms would be black in county offices, and the County integrity of County, with the sole purpose only, black on one side and four-color on the Information Project column written by to provide essential information to county other side, or all four-color.” then-Operations Manager Tim Brown. This officials and their staffs while also telling At the time, printing in full-color was column continues to this day, still written by the stories of the people and places that expensive and time-consuming. Limiting the Brown, now Senior Analyst for the County make up the uniqueness of Texas counties. Information Program. number of pages printed in full-color helped “As we venture into the next 50 years at save costs while also allowing the best In 2007, Maria Sprow took over as TAC, County magazine remains a crucial photos/graphics to really pop. Managing Editor when Lewis took the role of medium for us to push information out to Also by this time the magazine had Communication Director under the leadership our members and to help ensure we are quadrupled in size from its premiere issue of Executive Director Karen Norris. Not fulfilling our mission as an organization,” to 64 pages. It showcased courthouse long after, the technology of digital printing said Redford. caught up with the desire to print the
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★ | County Magazine
A County magazine article introducing the “World Wide Web homepage” instructed internet novices how to use the new website: “By clicking on one of the options, the user is then transported to one of these pages.” That same year, TAC employees gained email addresses and the Association urged counties to jump on the internet and email bandwagon, while also providing technological training and other assistance. Read the accompanying story, “Keeping Counties Connected,” to learn more. As more counties got email access, TAC began to reach out via that channel. Today email is a large part of its daily communication to members. News and information alert members to educational opportunities, provide helpful links to interactive features on our website, share tools and videos available through the Texas County Delivers public education campaign, and present details on upcoming risk management webinars, wellness program opportunities and other news. TAC knows county officials and their staffs are busy and need to receive useful information quickly and efficiently. Throughout the 2000s, TAC
Going Online TAC leveraged the speed and immediacy of digital communications to expand its communication channels to reach members more quickly and efficiently. Around 1990, it launched TAC News, an electronic legislative news service available via a Western Union network. A description at that time noted that the service “reports daily on county-related legislation, lists legislative hearing notices, reports on legislative strategy and general news on the state government scene during the legislative session. The rest of the year, TAC News is published weekly – every Friday.” Today TAC continues to provide detailed legislative updates via County Issues, which is emailed weekly to members during the legislative session and monthly during the interim. County officials also receive urgent notifications from TAC about legislative issues via emails called Legislative Alerts. With the advent of the internet, TAC secured the website address www.county.org and launched its first website in 1996. The new site provided counties with instant information about the Association’s services and more. Links on that initial site included: Legislative Information (including TAC News), Legal Information, Education, TAC Publications, Safety & Loss Control, Personnel Issues, Self-Insurance Coverages, About TAC and Related Sites.
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Keeping Counties Connected Technology Assistance to All 254 Texas Counties In 2001, the Interlocal Cooperation Act Just two months after TAC was formed in May spurred TAC to form the County Information 1969, NASA sent Neil Armstrong and Resources Agency. TAC CIRA came along at Buzz Aldrin to walk on the moon. That a time when many Texas counties didn’t have was a remarkable technological feat established, integrated computer systems, considering computers were not yet internet or email capabilities. interconnected by what we now call The Sept./Oct. 2001 issue of County magazine the internet. reported, “CIRA makes county government In the decades following that first lunar a major player in the technological evolution of landing, exponential advancements Texas. State agencies are beginning to see that in technology have changed the way counties must be full partners in governmental in which the world communicates, works and more. technology initiatives and must be prepared to accept Along the way, TAC has endeavored to help all 254 Texas the challenge.” counties keep pace with that changing technology in order to By September 2001, 11 counties had signed interlocal agreements better perform their jobs and serve the public. with TAC CIRA.
Y2K Marked a Pivotal Change Staying in the Know TAC’s efforts to help county offices better leverage technology Through the next decade, as county officials were eager to continue gathered steam in 1999 when it introduced listservs aligned by learning, growing and staying ahead of the technology curve, TAC county office. Since then, county officials equipped with email have stepped up to help. In January 2008, the Association hosted a Courts been able to connect with their peers and efficiently exchange their and Local Government Technology Conference that drew officials ideas and experience. and staff from across the state. Sessions included evolutions in In 2000, TAC President and Palo Pinto County Judge Mickey West technology, types of electronic evidence, use of LexisNexis and direct wrote in his Jan./Feb. County magazine report, “If we are not looking electronic filing. aggressively at meeting the challenges of the future, every day, then Over the years, the Association continued to provide technology that is another day that we are falling behind.” training sessions to help county officials make the most of changing West also urged his fellow officials, writing, “It is time for all county technology. These included mini-trainings on smart social media use offices to maximize their potential for using computers, the internet, during TAC’s annual Legislative Conference. email and other newly developing electronic capabilities.” Through West’s visionary leadership, TAC’s e-County initiative took Technology for Today off. An e-County Task Force spent a year conducting research and Today TAC CIRA continues to provide technology services and forming recommendations. resources to more than 140 counties and local governments in Texas, including email and website services. These services include In his July/Aug. 2000 County magazine report, West wrote that providing counties the ability to process secure electronic payments high-speed Internet access “[is] the equivalent of having a port from residents 24/7 with the Epay program. Financial reporting tools or a railway or a highway through the county. … Commerce will are included in the program. depend on it. And so will local government.” To that end, TAC began negotiations with the Department of Information Resources and the Texas Judicial Council to encourage T1 internet connections to every county.
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★ | County Magazine
continued to expand its communications efforts to reach members where they are consuming information. That meant moving into social media and video. Explaining County Government TAC launched a YouTube Channel in 2009, a Healthy One of TAC’s most important roles is educating the public, the state County Facebook account in 2009, a TAC account a year Legislature and other state officials about county government. later and a Twitter account in 2012. Through these social For more than 50 years, TAC has explained the workings of county media channels, the Association interacts with members government and the valuable services county officials provide — and reaches out with information about upcoming TAC whether during one-on-one meetings with legislators or through events, county-related news, legislative and wellness news large-scale communications efforts. and more. The Association added an Instagram account in 2016 Today, TAC’s Texas Counties Deliver public education campaign, as part of the Texas Counties Deliver public education launched in 2015, spreads that word and helps county officials do campaign. Read the accompanying article, “Explaining the same. It includes: County Government,” for information about TAC’s public • a website, www.texascountiesdeliver.org, outreach efforts over the years. • an @texascounties Instagram account, In 2017, TAC kicked off a new video podcast, “TAC on the Lege,” as part of the weekly County Issues legislative • a series of entertaining and informative videos to share on newsletter. In it, TAC Legislative staff briefly discuss the social media and use in presentations, and top issues at the Capitol. • posters, brochures, a PowerPoint presentation and more tools Whether it’s a 4-minute video podcast on a desktop county officials can use in their local public outreach. computer, a hard-copy issue of County magazine or a Twitter post on a Smartphone, TAC delivers essential These tools are available to members at information where our members want and need it. The www.county.org/texascountiesdeliver. Association will continue to do so as communications media and technology evolve along with our Looking Back at Previous Public Outreach But Texas Counties Deliver wasn’t TAC’s first public education campaign. The Association has produced a number over the years. The Association launched the County Awareness Campaign in 2002. Outreach materials included brochures explaining the roles of county officials, the functions of county government and its services to the public. TAC urged counties to provide the brochures in the public areas of county offices. Titles such as “There When You Need It: County Government” and “Who Does What in Texas County Government” proved popular. A County magazine article reported 50,000 copies were distributed during the first five years of the campaign. In 2008, TAC produced a series of six videos covering everything from the roles of each county office to the variety of services county government offers Texans. These videos were later combined to create “County Government: There When You Need It” video. Counties were urged to download the videos and use them in public presentations, share them online with the public and add them to their county website. The Association even sold DVD and VHS copies of the video. In 2009, the TAC unveiled www.TexasCounties4U.org. The site, aimed at the public, provided practical information on how to use county services, including paying property taxes. It also provided and overview of county government and provided descriptions of county offices, county demographic profiles and links to county websites.
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It’s easy to spread the word about how your county delivers with these tools.
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50 years. 254 counties. One voice.
Members can count on: • Toll-free TAC Helpline, (888) 275-8224 • First-rate training and continuing education programs • A strong voice representing county interests at the state and federal government levels • County news, issues and best practices online and in County magazine • Email and website hosting services • TAC Health and Employee Benefits Pool • TAC Risk Management Pool • TAC Unemployment Compensation Group Account Fund • Cost-effective, comprehensive risk management services and programs • Healthy County customized employee wellness programs
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(800) 456-5974 county.org 43091 TAOC COUNTY 41 3_21_2019
INSPIRE EDUCATE COLLABORATEENGAGE MEET AMAZE SMILE
NEW FUN NETWO RK SOCIALIZETIMELY REVIE CONSULT W DISCOVERUSEFUL COMMUNICATE PLAN NEW QUESTIONS TALK MEET REFRESH REVEA KNOWLEDGEL LAUGH Reasons LISTEN IDENTIFY IMAGINE UNDERSTAND INFORM ENHANCE DEVELOP CURRENT USEFULFUN TRANS- FORM ANSWERS to Register! INTERESTING E PREPARE IV LEADERSHIPT C U LEARN EXPERIENCED E RO XPLORE P TCDRS ANNUAL CONFERENCE
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Need a reason to attend the 2019 TCDRS Annual Conference? How about 5! Join us in July to: 1. Increase your knowledge of your current TCDRS retirement plan and gain perspective on other benefit-related topics. 2. Experience top notch guest speakers who will help you sharpen your communication skills, manage your time and give you a closer look at retirement on a national level.
3. Listen to a panel of retirees discuss what they are doing right in retirement and what they wish they knew before leaving the workplace.
4. Discover all the new things members can do at www.TCDRS.org, including applying for benefits online.
5. Stay current and get credit. This is a great opportunity to network with your peers and earn continuing education credits.
Register by July 5 at www.TCDRSConference.org and save $50! Also reserve your hotel room by July 5 to receive the special rate of $146 per night. 43091 TAOC COUNTY 42 3_21_2019
★ | County Magazine THESECOND EMPIRE Courthouses of Texas
he architectural style known as Second Empire is based on French design elements that were prominent during the Second French Empire and reign of Napoleon III (1852-1870). In fact, the style is sometimes called French Second Empire. The style became popular throughout Europe and T the United States during the mid to late 19th century. The style’s most prominent feature is the mansard roof. Mansard roofs are hipped and double sloped, with a nearly vertical lower slope and flatter upper slope that is not usually visible from ground level. Buildings designed in this style often include dormer windows in the upper floor, set into the mansard roof. The style also includes Italianate details such as decorative brackets and molded cornices. Second Empire interiors often have extensive custom molding and intricate detailing, deeply sculpted pillars and wide, winding staircases. These buildings also commonly include a square central tower. The Texas courthouses designed in this style and featured here are located in Caldwell, Concho and Hill counties. In addition, this style of courthouse can be found in Brewster, Colorado, Fannin, Hood, Lampasas, Goliad, Matagorda, Maverick, Newton, Shackelford, Uvalde and Wharton counties. Editor’s note: This is one in a series of photo essays highlighting architectural styles of Texas county courthouses. Photos are by Laura Skelding and Amber Novack, and text is by Liz Carmack. Thanks to the Texas Historical Commission’s Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation program for its assistance with this series.
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Caldwell County Courthouse 1893 – Lockhart The 1893 Caldwell County Courthouse has been Caldwell County featured in movies such as “Waiting for Guffman” and television series including “The Leftovers.” Although famed San Antonio architect Alfred Giles is sometimes given the credit for the building’s design, records show it was designed by Henri E. M. Guindo, who was sporadically at Giles’ firm. It was built by Martin, Brynes & Johnston. The three-story building is constructed of rusticated Muldoon blue limestone accented with Pecos Red Sandstone lintels, arches and stringcourses, according to its Texas Historical Marker. It sports a black slate mansard roof and a high central tower that houses a four-sided Seth Thomas clock and a 900-pound bell. Pavilions, outward projections of the building’s center, define the entrances at all four sides, while porticos distinguish its east and west entries. On the north and south facades, two secondary towers flank the arches at the main entrance. Recessed bays flank the entrances, and pavilions terminate the facades at each corner. Further exterior ornamentation includes round, flat and segmental arches that span the openings for each floor. Contrasting stringcourses, cut stone pilasters, a strongly articulated cornice at the center and corner pavilions embellish its exterior. Photos by Amber Novack.
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★ | County Magazine
Caldwell County
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Concho County
Concho County Courthouse 1886 – Paint Rock There is a reason the Concho County Courthouse and Blanco County Courthouse look strikingly similar. The same architectural plans — drawn by F. E. Ruffini — were used for both, according to the building’s Texas Historical Marker. The Lampasas firm Kane and Cormack built the Concho County Courthouse in 1886. The two-story stone building of Second Empire style is constructed of cream-colored ashlar masonry with cut stone quoins and a cut stone stringcourse, which separates the two floors and forms a base for the tall, narrow window openings. Ornamental brackets carry a wide metal cornice at the base of its mansard roof. The roof rises in three sections and features framed circular dormers and a metal trim that contrasts with the cornice. Mansard pavilions with wrought iron cresting accent the entry bays, and a triangular pediment marks those entrances. The north and south entries are flanked by projecting bays with cornices slightly higher than the adjacent walls. Inside the courthouse, historic detailing includes wooden staircases at either side of the east-west hall that rise in a graceful curve, as well as pressed metal ceilings. Photos by Luara Skelding.
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Concho County
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Hill County
Hill County Courthouse 1890/rebuilt 1999 – Hillsboro The Hill County Courthouse was designed by Wesley Clark Dodson. In 1993, shortly after its 100th birthday, the building succumbed to fire, leaving only the exterior limestone walls standing. Local residents rallied to rebuild the courthouse and the county undertook a six-year restoration project to do so, funded largely by a federal grant and donations. In 1999, the county rededicated its courthouse, which retains its distinctive historical features. A distinctive landmark in the county seat of Hillsboro, the courthouse’s central clock tower extends seven stories, while the building itself is three stories tall with a basement and attics. A hipped roof covers the main building, and pyramidal mansard roofs with decks and molded caps top the corner pavilions. The rusticated limestone courthouse is symmetrical and basically square with four identical five-bay facades, each with end pavilions and central raised porticos. Gables and dormer windows adorn the pavilions. The second- and third-story windows are divided with carved limestone panels. The windows in the porticos repeat this scheme but are slender and tall, with an arch pattern and huge keystone uniting the group above the third story. A high-relief belt course in a pattern of flowers and leaves wraps the building at the top of the first story. Further embellishment includes cast-iron balconies above the doors; banded, dressed limestone pilasters edging all projecting corners and framing the doors; banded, dressed limestone columns and bases; and dressed limestone trim around the windows doors and cornice. Photos by Luara Skelding.
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Hill County
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Annual losses from ransomware attacks average $150 million. Protect Your County – At No Cost
FREE TRAINING! Due to popular demand, TAC will offer another opportunity to enroll county officials and staff members for those who were unable to register REGISTER BY APRIL 1 FOR COURSES RUNNING MAY 2019-APRIL 2020! for the first series. Register by April 1 for online courses offered May 2019 – April 2020, presented either quarterly or every other month. Provide staff with engaging online training on security-related topics like: • Safe Remote and Mobile Computing • Password Best Practices • Preventing Ransomware • Identifying Risks • Data Storage, Retention and Destruction • Risks of Social Media
Don’t miss out. Train staff to think before they click. Protect your county’s and your constituents’ information. Register today at www.county.org/countycyber. 43091 TAOC COUNTY 52 3_21_2019
THOUSANDS of Public Entities. TENS OF BILLIONS of Taxpayer Dollars. PROTECTED.
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Placement of funds through the ICS or CDARS service is subject to the terms, conditions, and disclosures in the service agreements, including the Deposit Placement Agreement (“DPA”). Limits apply and customer eligibility criteria may apply. In the ICS savings option, program withdrawals are limited to six per month. Although funds are placed at destination banks in amounts that do not exceed the FDIC standard maximum deposit insurance amount (“SMDIA”), a depositor’s balances at the relationship institution that places the funds may exceed the SMDIA (e.g., before ICS or CDARS settlement for a deposit or after ICS or CDARS settlement for a withdrawal) or be ineligible for FDIC insurance (if the relationship institution is not a bank). As stated in the DPA, the depositor is responsible for making any necessary arrangements to protect such balances consistent with applicable law. If the depositor is subject to restrictions on placement of its funds, the depositor is responsible for determining whether its use of ICS or CDARS satisfies those restrictions. When deposited funds are exchanged on a dollar-for-dollar basis with other banks in the network, the relationship institution can use the full amount of a deposit placed through ICS or CDARS for local lending, satisfying some depositors’ local investment goals/mandates. Alternatively, with a depositor’s consent, and in states where this is allowed by law, the relationship institution may choose to receive fee income instead of deposits from other banks. Under these circumstances, deposited funds would not be available for local lending. ICS, Insured Cash Sweep, and CDARS are registered service marks of Promontory Interfinancial Network, LLC. 05/18 43091 TAOC COUNTY 53 3_21_2019
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Endorsed by 43091 TAOC COUNTY 54 3_21_2019
Data about counties, by County Information ★ | Information Program | Program Senior Analyst Tim Brown
County Debt Per Capita 2018
s it has for several years, local debt continues to be Map 1: Per Capita Debt Outstanding by County an issue in Austin. The Texas Bond Review Board Principal Only as of August 31, 2013 A(BRB) recently released its “Local Government Annual Report” for Fiscal Year 2018. So let’s update the County Information Program’s article on county debt from the Nov./Dec. 2014 issue of County, which looked at principal debt, as of Aug. 31, 2013, using the Census Bureau’s population estimates for 2013 to calculate each county’s per capita debt load. We can calculate each county’s debt load using debt data for Aug. 31, 2018, from the BRB. Unfortunately, the Census Bureau has not yet released population estimates for 2018, so we have to use population estimates for 2017 to calculate the per capita debt load for counties. As with the Nov./Dec., 2014 article, the following analysis considers principal only and therefore stated amounts will not include outstanding interest. Also, as with the earlier Per Capita Debt, 2013 article, BRB’s data excludes commercial paper1 and conduit $4.56 – $100.00 debt2. In addition, the per capita debt calculations exclude $100.01 – $200.00 toll road debt for both 2013 and 2018. $200.01 – $400.00 Map 1 from the Nov./Dec., 2014 article, showing per $400.01 – $800.00 $800.01 – $13,861.87 capita debt by county as of 2013, is included for comparison © County Information Program, purposes. Clearly, the “no debt” bracket includes many more $276,478.87 Texas Association of Counties counties as of 2018 than in 2013. Also, note on Map 2 that No Debt fewer counties appear in the dark green bracket, which even has a lower maximum value. Naturally, Loving County Map 2: Per Capita Debt Outstanding by County still exists in its own bracket, although the per capita value Principal Only as of August 31, 2018 is significantly reduced. While some of the differences in per capita debt load can be explained by population growth, in those counties that actually grew the decrease in counties’ total principal debt statewide played a role. Chart 1 and Chart 2 show total debt outstanding, as of Aug. 31, for their respective years, 2013 and 2018, revealing a decrease of approximately $107 million. Had we adjusted for inflation, that number would have been larger. The difference in total county debt may not be obvious when comparing the two charts, given how small the county slices are. Conversely, the increase in total public school district debt of $65.1 billion in 2013 to $84.2 billion in 2018 stands out on the charts. School districts’ $19.1 billion Per Capita Debt, 2018 increase in outstanding principal resulted in their share $0.43 – $100.00 increasing from 32.6 percent of local governments’ total $100.01 – $200.00 outstanding principal debt in 2013 to 36.6 percent in 2018. $200.01 – $400.00 Why did school districts debt increase by 29.3 percent? $400.01 – $800.00 A part of the answer lies with the fact that we did not $800.01 – $8,194.33 adjust for inflation. Had we done so, the percentage would © County Information Program, $126,417.91 Texas Association of Counties have been reduced, but it would still have been significant. No Debt So what could explain the majority of the increase? For example, did restrictions on school district maintenance and operations property tax rates or declining per capita
52 MAR./APR. 2019 ★ county.org/magazine 43091 TAOC COUNTY 55 3_21_2019
Data about counties, by County Information ★ Program Senior Analyst Tim Brown | Information Program |
Chart 1: Total Principal Outstanding Chart 2: Total Principal Outstanding by Issuer Type, 2013 by Issuer Type, 2018 Community and Community and Counties Counties Junior Colleges Junior Colleges $14,205.8 Health/Hospital Districts $14,098.8 Health/Hospital Districts $4,677.4 $3,412.0 $5,260.9 $3,673.3 Other Special Districts Other Special Districts $15,548.9 $17,367.9 Cities Cities $65,964.2 $75,246.9 Water Districts Water Districts $30,187.7 $31,062.5
Public School Districts Public School Districts $65,104.7 $84,126.0
© County Information Program, © County Information Program, Texas Association of Counties Texas Association of Counties
state funding create an incentive or need for school districts the chart, new money debt comprised $35.2 billion, or 53.3 to issue more debt? It is beyond the scope of this article percent, of the $66.1 billion in debt school districts issued to investigate why school district debt loads increased so over the same period. noticeably; however, one cannot help wondering if a lack of Even without adjusting for inflation, total county debt funding for maintenance and operations led school districts outstanding decreased from 2013 to 2018. Not only did into an attempt to fund their operations through bonds counties decrease their total debt, they managed to replace rather than with current revenue. much of their debt with bonds carrying lower interest rates, In reporting debt outstanding for school districts and thereby reducing future interest payments. Clearly, anyone other types of local governments, the BRB included concerned with local debt should focus on the growth in commercial paper and toll roads in the total principal school district debt and the reasons for that growth. *
outstanding. Therefore, the total county debt used to 1 Commercial paper – Defined by the BRB as “short-term, unsecured promissory notes that mature within 270 calculate per capita debt in the maps does not match exactly days and are backed by a liquidity provider, usually a bank, that stands by to provide liquidity in the event the notes are not remarketed or redeemed at maturity.” with the total county debt used in the pie charts. 2 Conduit debt – According to the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), conduit debt As Charts 1 and 2 establish, total county debt decreased obligations are issued to provide financing for a specific third party that is not a part of the issue s financial reporting entity. Although conduit debt obligations bear the county’s name, the county “has no obligation for from 2013 to 2018, but that does not mean that counties such debt beyond the resources provided by a lease or loan with the third party on whose behalf they are stopped issuing debt. issued.” Chart 3 shows how much debt counties issued by Chart 3: County Debt Issuance by Fiscal Year fiscal year from 2014 to 2018. The amounts are broken (in millions of dollars) down into “new money” and “refunding” debt. Over $2,500 the last few years, interest rates dropped to the point $2,252.6 that counties could save money over the long term by issuing new bonds and using the proceeds to pay off $2,000 old bonds that had been issued at higher interest rates. These types of bonds are referred to as refunding $1,500 or refinancing bonds. Counties issued quite a bit of $1,250.5 $1,212.8 $1,123.4 refunding bonds, particularly in 2015 and 2016 when $1,082.0 debt issued for refunding purposes topped other types $1,000 $859.2 of debt — classified as “new money.” $711.5 In fact, 55.1 percent of the $10.0 billion in debt $607.9 $595.9 $500 issued by counties from 2014 through 2018 consisted $351.6 of refunding debt. New money debt comprised the
remaining $4.5 billion, or 44.9 percent, of counties’ $0 total issuance over the period. Although not shown in 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 New Money Refunding
MAR./APR. 2019 ★ county.org/magazine 53 43091 TAOC COUNTY 56 3_21_2019
Texas Association of Counties County Information Resources Agency Redesigned Epay Program for CIRA Members The electronic payments program (Epay) began in 2006 and allows counties to process electronic payments via an online payment portal or by phone. The new Epay program offers enhanced online payment options, phone (IVR) payments and kiosks. The program features two vendors to choose from: Forte Payments and ACI Worldwide (Official Payments). Both vendors meet PCI Compliance standards and provide online payment services at no cost to CIRA members. Both vendors also offer secure and easy to use online payment processing, reporting tools, and customer support to members.
Key Benefits: • 24/7 payment processing via online portal • Dedicated customer support through either vendor • Secure transmission of payment data • Convenient and easy for citizens to make payments • Reporting tools for county financial records
More info and participation forms are available at www.cira.state.tx.us/Epay.
SUPPORTING THOSE WHO SERVE cira.state.tx.us * county.org * (800) 456-5974 43091 TAOC COUNTY 57 3_21_2019
Events and education for counties | Calendar of Events | ★
MAY Note: More information regarding events can be found online via the TAC Education Calendar, 8–10, Probate Academy www.county.org/calendar. Overton Hotel & Conference Center, 2322 Mac Davis Ln., Lubbock, TX 79401. The Probate MARCH 10–12, County Management & Risk Academy is a program designed to meet the educational needs of judges, clerks and other Commissioners Court Administrative Conference court personnel responsible for setting and Training Embassy Suites by Hilton San Marcos disposing of probate and guardianship cases. 21, Longview; 26, Lubbock Hote,l 1001 E. McCarty Lane San Marcos, TX For more information, contact Allyssa Lee or The Commissioners Court Administrative 78666. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how Adrienne Bethke at (800) 456-5974. Training program is designed to provide County to reduce risk and prevent losses throughout your Judges and County Commissioners an in depth county’s operations. Hear the latest about health 9, Webinar - The Myth of At Will and concentrated learning experience on the care reform and how employee wellness can For more information, please contact Lee Bell- issues associated with the budgeting process. affect your bottom line. Hovland at (800) 456-5974 or see our Webinars Attendees will receive four hours of instruction 15–18, 47th Annual County Treasurers’ web page at www.county.org. and hands on training regarding issues Continuing Education Seminar 13-16, North and East Texas County Judges associated with the budgeting process. Sheraton Austin Hotel at the Capitol, and Commissioners Association Annual For more information, contact Adrienne Bethke 701 East 11th St. Austin, TX 78701. For more Conference and Business Meeting at (800) 456-5974. information contact Deanna Auert or Nino Brazos County Expo Cavalry Court and The 27, Webinar - Hurricane & Catastrophic Miranda at (800) 456-5974. George, College Station, TX 77840. For more Prep Series Pt. 2: What Role Should HR Play 23–26, 90th Annual West Texas County information, contact Michele Ewerz or Rachel in Planning and Preparing for Response Judges and Commissioners Association Kucera at at (800) 456-5974. For more information, please contact Lee Bell- Conference 13-17, 33rd Annual Texas Jail Association Hovland at (800) 456-5974 or see our Webinars Amarillo Civic Center, 401 S. Buchanan Education Conference web page at www.county.org. St. Amarillo, TX 79101. For more information, Renaissance Hotel, 9721 Arboretum Blvd. Austin, 27–29, Spring Judicial Education Session contact Michele Ewerz or Rachel Kucera at TX 78759. For more information, contact the Overton Hotel & Conference Center, 2322 (800) 456-5974. Texas Jail Association at (936) 294-1687. Mac Davis Ln. Lubbock, TX 79401. The Spring 24, Webinar - The 2019 Employee Safety Education Session of the Texas Judicial Academy Equipment Program will give county judges an excellent opportunity For more information, please contact Lee Bell- to learn and fellowship with judges from across Hovland at (800) 456-5974 or see our Webinars the state and discuss a wide range of topics web page at www.county.org. that impact judicial duties. For more information 30, County Government Day contact Allyssa Lee or Adrienne Bethke at Texas State Capitol, Legislative Conference (800) 456-5974. Room Capitol Extension, Room E2.002 Austin, APRIL TX 78701. For more information, contact Amy 4, Stephenville - Commissioners Court Ruedas with TAC’s Legislative Services Division Administrative Training at (800) 456-5974. The Commissioners Court Administrative Training program is designed to provide County Judges and County Commissioners an in depth and concentrated learning experience on the issues associated with the budgeting process. Attendees will receive four hours of instruction AuctioneerExpress.com and hands on training regarding issues Online Auctions associated with the budgeting process. GOvernmentAl - municipAlity - privAte pArty For more information, contact Adrienne Bethke at (800) 456-5974. ★ Specialties: ★ Our goal: to get you ★ Reasonable reserve on Online & Live Auctions the HIGHEST RETURN items allowed, if desired for Counties-Cities- FOR YOUR EQUIPMENT & ★ SURPLUS Also, bid on other counties’ Governmental surplus equipment on our Entities ★ Sold at your location online site www.AuctioneerExpress.com 903-572-4975 Texas Auctioneer Lic. # 13801
MAR./APR. 2019 ★ county.org/magazine 55 43091 TAOC COUNTY 58 3_21_2019
register for the dWi Summit in Victoria or denton June 6 - Victoria • June 27 - Denton Sponsored by the Texas Center for the Judiciary and the Texas Association of Counties
he DWI Summit is a continuing judicial education program Tdesigned especially for Texas judges by the Texas Center for the Judiciary’s DWI Curriculum Committee in conjunction with the Texas Association of Counties. This program is generously funded by a grant from the Texas Department of Transportation. For their attendance, participants will earn four hours of continuing judicial education.
Who Should ATTend: • Constitutional County Judges Register at www.county.org/judicial
• Appellate, District Court and Statutory County Court Judges Register at www.yourhonor.com
There is no fee to attend this training.
June 6 – VicToriA June 27 – denTon
locATion locATion Victoria College Emerging Embassy Suites by Hilton Technology Complex Denton Convention Center 7403 Lone Tree Rd. 3100 Town Center Tr. Victoria, TX 77905 Denton, TX 76201 (361) 580-3700 (940) 243-3799
For more information on registration, visit www.county.org/judicial or contact Allyssa Lee at (800) 456-5974. 43091 TAOC COUNTY 59 3_21_2019
January 2019 February 2019 SMTWTFS SMTWTFS 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 2019 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 10 11 12 1314 15 16 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 27 28 29 30 31 24 25 26 27 28 Fireworks
March 2019 April 2019 SMTWTFS SMTWTFS 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 Calendar 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 he State of Texas authorizes the sale of fireworks 24 25 26 27 2829 30 28 29 30 T during six periods annually. During the Fourth 31 of July and December holiday firework periods, fireworks sales are permitted absent a finding by the May 2019 June 2019 SMTWTFS SMTWTFS commissioners court that drought conditions exist. For 1 2 3 4 1 the Texas Independence Day, San Jacinto Day, Cinco 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 1314 15 de Mayo, and Memorial Day fireworks periods, the 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 commissioners court has discretion as to whether or 26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 not sales will be allowed.
July 2019 August 2019 The commissioners court must adopt the order to SMTWTFS SMTWTFS regulate fireworks in the areas of the county where 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 drought conditions exist before June 15 for Fourth 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 of July, and before December 15 for the December 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 fireworks season. 28 29 30 31 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
The commissioners court must adopt the discretionary
September 2019 October 2019 fireworks authorization order before February 15 for SMTWTFS SMTWTFS Texas Independence Day, before April 1 for San Jacinto 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Day, before April 25 for Cinco de Mayo (only counties 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 not more than 100 miles from Texas-Mexico border), 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 29 30 27 28 29 30 31 and before May 15 for Memorial Day.
The symbol indicates the last day the November 2019 December 2019 commissioners court may adopt the fireworks SMTWTFS SMTWTFS authorization order, or the order regulating the sale 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 8 9 10 11 12 1314 and use of certain fireworks. 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 29 30 31 For more information, sample orders, and FAQs visit county.org/fireworks or call the TAC Helpline at (888) ASK-TAC4.
(800) 456-5974 county.org 43091 TAOC COUNTY 60 3_21_2019
★ | Newsfeed | County Magazine
Social Media Round-Up These are the top postings for TAC’s Facebook, Twitter and Readings Readings Instagram accounts last month. Research, articles, publications and websites Research, articles, publications and websites Like TAC on Facebook at facebook. com/texascounties and follow us on FEARLESS SUCCESS: BEYOND HIGH PERFORMANCE Twitter at twitter.com/TexasCounties. HARDCOVER – MARCH 5, 2019 By John Foley Follow us on Instagram at instagram.com/texascounties. The quest for perfection is not only possible — it’s actually our natural state, says author and former Blue Angel pilot, John Foley. Imagine what the same preparation and mindset that allowed him to fly in formation mere inches apart from another jet can do for you, your teams, and any organization. In “Fearless Success,” Foley gives us the secrets that elite performers know and practice on a daily basis. How do you get from your current state to your future state? Going beyond high performance requires combining operational excellence with a proactive/positive mindset. The underlying ‘’Glad To Be Here’’ ethos is at the core of everything Foley teaches. With this foundation in place, any individual or team looking to achieve greatness can easily understand and implement the author’s tools and processes. Filled with lessons from his days as a Blue Angel and a leadership expert empowering over 1,000 companies, this book includes proven blueprints on how to: • Lead through change • Build high performance teams • Elevate belief levels • Execute with high trust • Unite a commitment culture CenterPoint Publishing.
CALLED TO SERVE: THE BUSH SCHOOL OF GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC SERVICE By Charles Frazer Hermann and Sally Dee Wade “This history of the Bush School of Government and Public Service is the inspiring story of a handful of dedicated faculty, staff and administrators building a nationally recognized institution from the ground up. From overcoming significant cultural, financial, and political challenges to developing a program with partnerships throughout Texas A&M University, the state of Texas, and the entire country, it is a story of perseverance, dedication, talent and striving for excellence. And a lot of fun along the way.”— Robert M. Gates, former CIA director, former secretary of defense, former president of TAMU and former interim dean of the Bush School of Government and Public Service. “This book is a wonderful review of the school from its beginning and pays tribute to the uniqueness of its namesake. President Bush’s legacy will breathe and live through the lives of the students influenced by Professor Hermann.”— Don Powell, former chair of the Texas A&M Board of Regents. Texas A&M University Press.
A MILE ABOVE TEXAS Photographs by Jay B. Sauceda Stunning aerial photographs taken during a 3,822 mile- circumnavigation of Texas offer fresh views of the beauty and diversity of the state’s natural and human landscapes. University of Texas Press.
58 MAR./APR. 2019 ★ county.org/magazine 43091 TAOC COUNTY 61 3_21_2019
LUNCHEONS WITH LEGISLATORS
Join TAC’s Core Legislative Group To schedule a luncheon with your legislators or to join the Core Legislative Group, contact Legislative Group Coordinator Rhita Koches at [email protected]
(800) 456-5974 county.org 43091 TAOC COUNTY 62 3_21_2019
★ | Last Look | County Magazine
County officials and employees (and anyone Birding by Bicycle else in a Texas county) are encouraged to email their high-resolution photographs for esaca de la Palma State Park in Cameron County is one of nine parks in the Rio Grande Valley that make up the World Birding Center. It is home publication in Last Look to County Managing Rto dozens of very vocal bird species, making it a wonderful place to both Editor Anna McGarity at [email protected]. watch and listen to nature. Biking is the suggested form of transport around Please make sure to write about the events the semi-tropical park; bikes are available for rental. Photo by Managing Editor behind the photograph — why the picture Anna McGarity. * was taken, what makes the moment or memory special, or what can’t be seen in the shot.
60 MAR./APR. 2019 ★ county.org/magazine 43091 TAOC COUNTY 63 3_21_2019
July 25-26 IMPAIRED DRIVING Doubletree by Hilton Austin 6505 N. I-35 SYMPOSIUM Austin, TX 78752
SAVE THE DATE
Join us at the Impaired Driving Symposium Members of the Texas judiciary will want to mark their calendars to attend the 2019 Impaired Driving Symposium. This TxDOT-sponsored conference is brought to you by the Texas Association of Counties, Texas Center for the Judiciary, Texas Justice Court Training Center, and the Texas Municipal Courts Education Center.
Who should attend: • Constitutional County Judges • Appellate, District Court, Statutory County Court, Probate Court Judges • Municipal Judges • Justices of the Peace
For more information, visit county.org. 43091 TAOC COUNTY 64 3_21_2019
Texas associaTion of counTies PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE 1210 san anTonio sTreeT PAID AUSTIN, TEXAS ausTin, Texas 78701-1806 PERMIT NO. 1183 Register Toda! county.org/CMRC
Save Your Seat! April 10-12, 2019 COUNTY San Marcos MANAGEMENT & RISK CONFERENCE APRIL 10-12, 2019 | SAN MARCOS RESOURCES AND SOLUTIONS FOR COUNTIES